Deutsche Bahn to Invest Record EUR23 Billion in Rail Infrastructure Upgrade for 2026
Deutsche Bahn is planning a significant expansion of its rail infrastructure investments for 2026, allocating more than EUR23 billion to modernize and enhance the German railway network. This move marks a substantial increase compared to previous years, highlighting the company's commitment to revitalizing its aging and heavily utilized network.
According to officials, over half of the planned expenditure will target existing infrastructure, addressing longstanding issues with outdated tracks, switches, and signaling systems. The remainder of the funds will be directed toward digital upgrades, new construction projects, network expansion, and improvements to stations and other key facilities. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to improve reliability and efficiency across the national rail system.
In 2025, Deutsche Bahn had already invested approximately EUR19 billion in infrastructure improvements. Such projects included the renewal of thousands of switches, hundreds of kilometers of overhead lines, and the replacement of around 2,300 kilometers of track. Additionally, 60 new signaling control centers became operational, although some installations encountered technical challenges, such as those experienced at Cologne Central Station due to software issues.
Major ongoing projects from the past year have encompassed the comprehensive overhaul of the Hamburg-Berlin route, enhancements to the rail link between Berlin Brandenburg Airport and the city center, and the restoration of the Ahr Valley Railway in Rhineland-Palatinate, which was severely damaged by flooding in 2021.
Despite these record investments, passengers continue to experience issues related to delays and infrastructure degradation. Punctuality levels in long-distance services remain low, with frequent construction works and unexpected disruptions affecting daily operations. Many components, such as relay-based signaling systems designed for a 40-year lifespan, have now been in use for up to 70 years, significantly exceeding their intended operational period. This has led to increased maintenance demands and operational strain as traffic volumes continue to grow.
The German government and Deutsche Bahn aim to address these challenges through a series of comprehensive renovations, particularly targeting the country's busiest routes. These so-called 'general renovations' began in 2024 with the Riedbahn corridor between Frankfurt and Mannheim. Early results indicate a notable reduction in network disruptions, though the intended targets have not yet been fully achieved. Efforts are ongoing to further decrease the number of technical faults and to enhance service reliability.
Another central component of the modernization strategy is the gradual implementation of advanced digital control and safety technologies, known as the European Train Control System (ETCS). However, progress has been limited, as many trains are not yet equipped with the necessary onboard systems. As a result, only a fraction of the network currently operates with full digital control, and expansions are proceeding incrementally as infrastructure and rolling stock are upgraded.
Deutsche Bahn and its infrastructure subsidiary, DB InfraGo, are committed to continuing these investments at high levels in the coming years. With approximately 28,000 construction sites expected in 2026 and ongoing station modernization efforts, the company aims to progressively improve network conditions. The annual status report on network and facility conditions, to be updated in April 2026, will track the progress of these initiatives and provide transparency on infrastructure improvements nationwide.